Factors Associated with Malocclusion in Preschool Children in a Brazilian Small Town

Abstract Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with malocclusions in preschool children. Material and Methods: A census, epidemiological study, with a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic sample, was carried out with children aged between 4 and 6 years, matriculated in preschools in the town of Aiquara, Bahia, Brazil. Malocclusion in the deciduous dentition was determined through the application of the index proposed by WHO, with the Foster and Hamilton criteria also being incorporated. The data was tabulated in duplicate in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and following correction, was analyzed using the SPSS, STATA and PAST Software. In order to identify the associated factors, we opted for Multiple Poisson regression analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results: A total of 148 children were examined and the general prevalence of malocclusions was 69.59%, with 57.5% in the group of 4-year-old, 76.92% those aged 5 years old and 72.46% among children aged 6 years old. In terms of primary canines, 66.2% were identified as class I, 25.7% as class II and 8.1% as class III. Normal overjet was 41.2%, increased overjet 34.5%, edge to edge bite 17.6% and anterior crossbite 6.8%. The normal overbite 51.4%, reduced 20.9% and deep 8.1%. Of the individuals, 20.9% had posterior crossbite. In the Poisson regression analysis and PCA, a statistical association between the malocclusions and dental caries, duration of use of pacifiers, onychophagia and thumb sucking, was identified. Conclusion: The prevalence of malocclusion in preschool children in the small town of Aiquara is high and the associated factors identified are capable of control and prevention.

Cárie dentária e fatores associados em pré-escolares em município de pequeno porte / Dental caries and associated factors in preschoolers in a small city

Objetivo: este estudo objetivou conhecer a prevalência e fatores associados à doença cárie dentária em pré-escolares. Material e método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, censitário de corte transversal e analítico, realizado com crianças com idade de 4 a 6 anos, matriculados nas escolas municipais de educação infantil no município de Aiquara-BA. Os dados sociodemográficos foram obtidos por entrevista domiciliar com os pais/responsáveis pelas crianças e os da condição dental por exame clínico da cavidade bucal dos pré-escolares. O índice ceo-d foi utilizado para a avaliar a condição dental das crianças, sendo os códigos e critérios empregados os propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os dados foram tabulados em duplicata em uma planilha do Microsoft Excel e após as correções, foram analisados no programa SPSS, STATA e PAST. Optou-se pela análise de Regressão de Poisson (RP) múltipla e Análise dos Componentes Principais (ACP). Resultados: foram avaliadas 148 crianças das quais 79 (53,4%) são do sexo masculino e 40 (27%), 39 (26,4%) e 69 (46,6%) com idade de 4, 5 e 6 anos respectivamente. A prevalência da doença cárie em crianças com idade de 4 anos, 5 anos e 6 anos foi 60%, 64% e 70%, sendo no sexo masculino de 70% e no feminino de 61%. Conclusão: os fatores associados a presença de cárie na dentição decídua foram a situação conjugal materna, baixa escolaridade dos pais, baixo peso ao nascer e oclusopatias. Em pré-escolares de Aiquara-BA a prevalência da doença cárie é elevada evidenciando-se a necessidade de ações educativas, preventivas e curativas mais efetivas na atenção à saúde bucal

Objective: this study seeks to understand the predominance and factors associated with dental caries in preschoolers. Material and Methods: it is a census, epidemiological study with an analytic and cross-sectional sample, including children from 4 to 6 years old, matriculated in public preschools in the city of Aiquara-BA. The sociodemographic data was obtained through home interviews with the parents/guardian of the child, while the dental condition data was obtained via a clinical examination of the mouth cavity of the preschoolers. The dfmt index was used to evaluate the dental condition of the children, with the codes and criteria used being those proposed by the World Health Organization. The data was tabulated in duplicate on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and following correction, was analyzed using the SPSS, STATA and PAST programs. Poisson regression analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed. Results: 148 children were evaluated of whom 79 (53.4%) were boys and 40 (27%), 39 (26.4%) and 69 (46.6%) were 4, 5, and 6 years old, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries disease in children of 4, 5 and 6 years old was 60, 64 and 70%, with a prevalence of 70% in boys and 61% in girls. Conclusion: associated factors were maternal marital status, low education level of parents, low birth weight and occlusions issues. In preschools in Aiquara-BA, the prevalence of dental caries disease is elevated, showing the need for more effective educational, preventive and curative measures in relation to mouth hygiene